By NOVA Institute Team
This report has been based on the research conducted during the STAR4BBS WP2 research phase that led to the development of Deliverable 2.4. As this document is sensitive, this article aims to summarize the work carried out to analyse biogenic feedstocks (organic materials derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, and waste) and bio-based products, highlighting their importance for the bioeconomy. These feedstocks, sourced from agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, or waste areas, are essential for developing sustainable value chains, and are categorized by origin or the industries that use them.
To create this report, key feedstocks and products were selected based on factors like availability, economic value, and sustainability. Data on global production and trade was gathered from sources like FAOSTAT, PRODCOM, and UN Comtrade, focusing on the EU’s imports. In cases where data was lacking, assumptions from existing studies were used.
Tracking the use of biogenic feedstocks is difficult, as some, like wood, are easy to track, while others, such as those used in the chemical industry (e.g., starch, sugar, and vegetable oils), are more complex. This makes global data collection challenging due to gaps and inconsistencies.
The report identifies key feedstocks like corn starch, sugar cane, palm oil, cotton, wood, and algae. It also highlights the potential of residual feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, sugar beet pulp, and glycerol, for sustainable bio-based products. Examples of these products include cotton T-shirts, wooden tableware, PLA (polylactic acid), and bio-based epoxy resins.
The EU relies on imports for many of these feedstocks, with China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and the United States being major suppliers. There is a growing demand for biogenic resources in non-food sectors such as chemicals, construction, textiles, and paper. However, measuring usage, particularly in the chemical sector, remains difficult due to the wide variety of products and data challenges.
The demand for bio-based products is increasing, driven by their environmental benefits and supportive EU regulations. However, data collection remains problematic due to inconsistent classification systems and decentralized production.
In conclusion, the report lays the groundwork for further research into the market share of certified versus non-certified bio-based products. It offers valuable insights into EU trade patterns and suggests that to improve future research and address data gaps, standardized global data collection methods, enhanced transparency in trade reporting, and increased collaboration between industry and policymakers are essential.
